COLUMN: Learning While Living

Growing up, we're constantly reminded of the important role education plays. As we become older and our lives take us down different paths, education extends beyond the realm of formal schooling -- we learn while living. Thus, it is understandable that education is an issue commonly brought to the forefront of national discussions.

If one looks back a few decades, or even a few years, it's obvious that the educational system has changed drastically -- and in positive ways. Today, we see education adopting an application-based style that emphasizes the use of technology. Students are beginning to view education as a tool through which they can delve deeper into their passions and explain the things they see around them.

Hands-on learning: a key to academic commitment

Although education has come a long way, there's definitely room for improvement. As a society, we should continue to remain invested in meliorating the educational system that serves to shape futures. This can be achieved by placing a greater emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications.

When I was younger, my parents told me that when they were in grammar school, they had to recite lessons on a daily basis. As a child, the thought of doing such a thing seemed frightening and rather impossible. However, I realize today that such a method of learning was simply preposterous as the sole educational method.

Although this method continues to be useful in helping students build a framework for understanding, it's important to take it to the next level. If students can grasp the subjects taught to them -- understanding exactly what it is that they are learning and why -- society will witness a more tremendous commitment to education.

For example, if students are told to go home, memorize Newton's Laws and recite the information the following day, it's safe to assume they won't learn anything useful regarding Newton's Laws. If, however, those students can conduct experiments in which they witness what has been taught in class, then they will benefit.

As individuals, we are good; together, we can be great

Another factor important for improving the educational system is encouraging students to cooperate with and learn from one another. When students of all cultures and personalities are brought together, the support and assistance they provide to one another is priceless. Individuals excel in certain departments and lack in others. Therefore, would it not be beneficial for students to help and learn from one another? By working together, we can, without a doubt, bring out the best in each other.

Furthermore, classrooms often contain many students -- all of whom are in the hands of one teacher. In such an environment, it is understandable that a teacher cannot address each student's individual needs. For this reason, it becomes more important for students to help each other improve their educational experiences.

Another reason to emphasize cooperation in education is that it truly serves to prepare learners for what lies ahead. Students' readiness to take on the challenges of the real world will be determined by their ability to interact with others. Thus, if the educational system promotes interactions and cooperation early on, students will integrate themselves into society with ease.

The cornerstone of education's future

We live in a society dominated by cell phones, iPods and computers. With greater emphasis placed on funding math and science research, it is expected that technology will continue to be a dominant presence in our lives. Therefore, it makes sense to use technology to enhance the educational system.

I consider myself lucky because I attend a high school in which students and administrators demonstrate an inspiring commitment to education. For example, the devotion that one of my English teachers expresses toward education -- while still caring for family, writing works to be published and helping the community -- is a trait replicated in our student body. In an environment that fosters an interest in learning, it is important to find ways of improving it. That's where technology can lend a hand.

It can help:

• cater to the specific learning styles of individual students;
• stimulate higher thinking by opening greater possibilities of implementing skills learned in the classroom;
• increase the amount of information that educators can impart because it is more time-effective;
• show students simulations of what they are learning; and
• make education more fun.

Additionally, if teachers use laptops and SMART boards in classrooms, they can come to class with lessons already on PowerPoint, allowing them to focus on the students' concerns and transfer notes to absent students. Furthermore, if students can access live classroom feeds through computers, it would make it easier for them to remain up-to-date, even when they are away from school.

Education serves to define us to a degree; therefore, it is crucial for us to work, as a society, on taking it to the next level. Education shapes our youth, and our future lies in our youths' hands; thus, it is vital that we take small steps today so we may create the best thinkers of tomorrow.

Student info
Heriselda Begaj, 17
Senior at Townsend Harris High School at Queens College, Flushing, N.Y.

*This story is from Converge magazine's Winter 2009 issue.

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